Daily Journal: 9 August

Like an Olive Tree

When an enemy of David was bent on destruction, David professed His faith in God’s righteousness and justice to act, and centred on his belief that he himself would flourish like a green olive tree living in God’s presence.

Psalm 52:8 (NASB 1995)

But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.

Looking at commentaries and information about olive trees I find that the olive tree is a biblical symbol of many useful things. It is historically prized as one of the most valuable plants throughout the bible and ancient times.

The olive tree is a slow-growing tree to reach maturity. It must be patiently cultivated to produce well, but is vigorous. Every part of the tree can be used.

It symbolises peace (branches and leaves); longevity (has a long life span); prosperity and fruitfulness (once it begins to fruit it continues to fruit for its life span and produces desired oils used for various purposes, both practical and spiritual); growth in heat and dryness (is sustaining and able to thrive with goodness); beauty, abundance and proliferation.

David said he was like a green olive tree. Green; not dried out or lacking, with roots growing deep and drawing up moisture and nourishment.

Olives are crushed to produce their oil – representing Jesus Christ. The oil represents the Holy Spirit. Thinking about that correlation is deep and significant and needs a lot of reflection.

The root system even symbolises the cultivation of God’s own people, Israel, and the grafting in of gentile believers.

David was saying he would be like this; righteous, enduring and resilient, a blessing to others, living in God’s presence, flourishing and relying under His loving-kindness and mercy because that’s where he drew his strength from, showing a close relationship with God.

Psalm 52:8 (NIV)

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.

We are grafted in to be like flourishing olive trees, living righteously in close relationship with God, finding His mercy and love-kindness towards us, forever.